Is A Loved One Addicted To Gambling – How To Help Them Overcome It

Posted on: 16th June 2014

Fighting your own gambling addiction and trying to help a dear one fight his/ her gambling addiction are two very different matters. It is easier when you do it for yourself because you can achieve some degree on control over the matter in due course of time; when helping a loved one be ready for a lot of hard work and heart ache.

What You Should Expect?

In most cases, a loved one will accept that they have a problem, and agree to work along with you to fight it. However, do not expect miracle cures as it requires huge will power to resist the temptation to stop or even curb down the gambling habit. Here are a few symptoms that you should expect and be prepared for:

They will tell lies – a gambling addict will be very ingenious with lies. They will tell you the most extraordinary tales to wring out your sympathy and possibly your money or “understanding” that they are moving slowly but steadily towards success.

Borrow Irresponsibly From Whoever They Can – your loved one will leave no stone unturned to get money to feed his/ her gambling habit. You will feel hurt and helpless, but you will need to be patient. Do not repay the loans taken; that will only encourage him/ her to continue borrowing. Let it reach a saturation point.

Your Loved One Will Steal From YouAnd Other Family Members – it sound terrible, and it will feel even worse when you find out, but be prepared for this. Your loved one in his desperation to find money to gamble will steal. Hence, keep your ATM and credit cards under lock and key. Keep your cash safe and generally do not leave anything within the reach of the person that can be used for conversion to cash.

You Will Be Blamed For The Situation – as with all addictions, the affected person would turn on their loved ones and blame them for the situation they are in. Do not take any such blame to heart; understand that this is the ranting of a psychologically sick person and hence, you should be patient and calm when dealing with him. Do not allow emotions to interfere with the effort of supporting your loved one.

The Trip Forward Will Be Very Slow – be prepared to go slow. This is an uphill trip that will be very trying and difficult. With perseverance and lots of patience as well as sustained support from professionals.